Can I Finance Invoices Raised in Euros or Dollars?
Yes, through an export or multi-currency facility. Providers like HSBC, Bibby, and Novuna offer GBP, EUR, and USD ledgers. Advances are made in the same currency as the invoice to avoid FX exposure. Some providers offer forward currency contracts to lock in rates between invoice and customer payment.
What this means for your business
For a UK SME that invoices overseas clients in euros or dollars, standard invoice finance facilities may not always accommodate foreign currency ledgers by default. A multi-currency or export invoice finance facility allows you to raise funding against those invoices in the same currency they were issued in, meaning you receive an advance in euros or dollars rather than having the amount converted to sterling at potentially unfavourable rates. This approach removes the immediate foreign exchange risk that would otherwise sit with your business between the point of raising the invoice and receiving customer payment. Some providers also offer forward currency contracts alongside the facility, giving you the option to lock in an exchange rate in advance and plan your cash flow with greater certainty.
Key points
- Multi-currency invoice finance facilities allow UK businesses to fund invoices raised in euros and US dollars without converting them to sterling at the point of advance.
- Advances are typically made in the same currency as the invoice, which reduces your exposure to exchange rate movements during the funding period.
- Providers such as HSBC, Bibby, and Novuna offer dedicated EUR and USD ledgers alongside GBP facilities.
- Some providers offer forward currency contracts, allowing you to fix an exchange rate between the invoice date and the date your customer pays.
- Export invoice finance can be used for both selective invoices and whole-ledger arrangements, depending on the provider and your business needs.
Common pitfalls
One common mistake is assuming your existing sterling invoice finance facility will automatically cover foreign currency invoices. It often will not, and you may need to arrange a separate ledger or facility. Watch out for additional fees tied to currency conversion, hedging products, or cross-border credit checks on overseas buyers, as these can erode the benefit of the funding. If you do take out a forward currency contract, be aware that it commits you to exchanging currency at a fixed rate regardless of how the market moves, which can work against you if rates shift favourably. Always read the facility agreement carefully to understand how FX losses or gains are handled.
Related questions
Will I need a separate facility for each currency I invoice in?
This depends on the provider, but many will set up distinct ledgers for each currency rather than combining them. It is worth asking whether a single facility agreement can cover multiple currencies or whether each requires its own arrangement, as this can affect your administration and overall costs.
Can I use invoice finance for exports outside the EU and US, such as invoices in other currencies?
Some providers do support a wider range of currencies beyond euros and US dollars, but availability varies considerably. You should check with each provider directly, as less common currencies may attract higher fees or simply not be supported within their standard export finance product.
How does credit protection work on foreign currency invoices?
Many export invoice finance facilities include bad debt protection or credit insurance as an option, which can be particularly valuable when trading with overseas buyers whose creditworthiness is harder to assess from the UK. The protection would typically be applied in the invoice currency, though you should confirm the exact terms with your provider before signing.
Director, Market Invoice
Oliver leads Market Invoice's editorial and comparison research. With a background in UK commercial finance, he oversees provider analysis, rate verification, and industry reporting across all verticals.
Last reviewed: 26 April 2026